STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) are statutory bodies established at the state level in India to protect and promote human rights within their respective jurisdictions. These commissions were created under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which provides for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at the national level and SHRCs at the state level. The primary objective of the SHRCs is to address human rights issues more effectively at the state level, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected and upheld across the diverse regions of India.
SHRCs play a crucial role in investigating human rights violations, providing recommendations to the state government, and raising awareness about human rights among the public and various stakeholders. They work in tandem with the NHRC to create a comprehensive framework for human rights protection and to ensure that both national and state-specific human rights issues are addressed effectively.
Eligibility: The Chairperson of a State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is typically a retired Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge who has served in a High Court for at least seven years.
Appointment: The Chairperson is appointed by the Governor of the respective state. The appointment process involves consultation with key state officials, including the Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Leader of the Opposition. This consultative process is designed to ensure that the Chairperson is a respected and impartial figure with a strong legal background.